The young are a great force for good | The Sunday Guardian | 30th September 2012 | Page 12

It is a historical fact that young people, perhaps because of their ambitions, have always been more energetic and more courageous. Thanks to this quality, they easily respond to a new mission. This natural trait is demonstrated in the Quran, in the chapter entitled Yunus (Jonah): "But none save a few youths declared their faith in Moses, (while others held back) for fear that Pharaoh and his nobles would persecute them. Pharaoh was high and mighty in the land. And one who transgressed all bounds" (10:83).

The history of missions, both religious and secular, shows that the central force of every mission has been the community of youth. Generally, a mission is started by a senior person, but those who respond to it are, in almost every case, members of the younger generation. This is not accidental; it is a direct result of the divine scheme. It is phenomenon specifically created by God Almighty.

Every mission, at least in the initial stages, needs people of the younger generation, but at the same time it is very important that youth must know its limitations. Young people may have energy, but they have little experience. So, life has to be based on the principle of sharing: senior people must share their experience and the younger generation must share its energy. It is this blend of the two that ensures the success of a mission.

One historical example is that of the Prophet Muhammad. He himself was a senior person, but most of his adherents were young people. It is they who are called the companions of the Prophet. With the prophetic guidance of Muhammad and the support of his youthful companions, it became possible to bring about a revolution in the 7th century AD.

It is a fact that, in every society, young people are a great force for good.